Daijiworld Media Network - Prayagraj

Prayagraj, May 12: A political confrontation escalated on Tuesday after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent appeal urging citizens to adopt cost-saving measures amid global economic pressures.

The Prime Minister had reportedly advised Indians to reduce discretionary spending—such as avoiding gold purchases, delaying foreign travel, and increasing work-from-home practices—as global markets face strain due to the ongoing West Asia conflict and rising crude oil prices.

Responding strongly, Akhilesh Yadav said the appeal reflected deeper economic weakness rather than responsible governance. He argued that the current situation itself was evidence of policy failure.

“This is not an appeal, it is an announcement of his own downfall,” Yadav told reporters. He further claimed that the ruling party had itself become “the crisis,” questioning earlier claims made about economic growth, farmers’ income, and per capita earnings.

He also questioned the state of the economy, asking why the rupee was weakening and why such cautionary appeals had become necessary from the government in the first place.

Separately, Modi had made these remarks during a BJP rally in Hyderabad, stressing the need to conserve foreign exchange reserves and reduce fuel consumption as global supply chains remain disrupted due to geopolitical tensions.

Yadav, meanwhile, hinted at the upcoming political strategy in Uttar Pradesh but declined to reveal details, saying he would not disclose plans in Prayagraj.

He reiterated that the current economic challenges were being projected as global issues but were, in his view, rooted in domestic policy decisions.

The exchange comes amid heightened global uncertainty following developments involving Donald Trump, who reportedly rejected recent peace proposals from Iran, contributing to a spike in crude oil prices above $105 per barrel.

Iran is said to have proposed relocating part of its enriched uranium stockpile abroad while refusing to dismantle its nuclear infrastructure, a key demand of the United States, further intensifying geopolitical tensions.